Resource Management Volunteer Opportunites

Colvin Run Mill

Located seven miles west of Tysons Corner, Colvin Run Mill Historic Site
features a restored operational 19th century water-powered
gristmill, the miller's house, and the early 20th century
Colvin Run General Store, the remains of a once thriving community of
Colvin Run, Virginia. Today the site is interpreted in terms of the
19th century American technology of Oliver Evans, inventor
and millwright, the growth of communities around centers of commerce,
and the work and social activities of area residents. Education
programs, tours of the mill and miller's house, and special programs
are conducted on a regular basis. People also enjoy shopping in the old
general store, picnicking on the grounds, and feeding the hungry ducks.

Current Volunteer Openings

Teaching Docent

Duties: Leads small groups of children through the historic
site. Generates discussion and answers questions relevant to site
history, buildings, grounds, collections. Directs children in
"hands-on" activities.

Qualifications: Strong interest in history and the
stewardship of the county's cultural and natural resources.
Patience with young children and the desire to communicate
effectively with children is essential. Experience in providing
leadership for groups of children is helpful.

Duties: Guides small group and individual tours of the
historic site. Facilitates discussion and answers questions
relevant to site history, buildings, grounds, and collections.
Supports scheduled site programs and special events.

Qualifications: Strong interest in history and stewardship
of county's cultural and natural resources. Ability to communicate
effectively with varied audiences, from children to adults.
Teamwork with other staff essential.

Duties: Welcome visitors to the park and respond to their questions. Provide information about the General Store, including the collections items on display. Enter sales into the computer. Help stock shelves.

Qualifications: A smiling face and welcoming manner are the most important requirements. An ability to enter sales on a computer. An interest in history in general and park history in particular.

Cultural Resource Section Staff currently works with close to 90
volunteers who assist with archaeological fieldwork, process and
catalogue artifacts, do research, write up findings, and help teach
others about community history and archaeology. We don't ask for
specific time commitments or previous training, only for an interest in
local history and the preservation of our cultural heritage. Our
volunteers are an important part of our work, and we are proud to offer
them a variety of opportunities to work hands-on with Fairfax history.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

A number of volunteer positions are available at Cultural Resources
Management and Protection Branch. Their descriptions can be found
below. Should you have a research interest or particular skill you do
not see reflected below, please let us know so that we might be able to
find a place for you.

Archaeological Lab Assistant

Duties: Assist archaeologists in the processing and
documentation of artifacts. Specific tasks include: washing,
labeling, and bagging, sorting artifacts by type, cataloging
artifacts, and keeping detailed logs of each activity.

Required Skills/Abilities: attention to detail, ability to
work in a team environment, ability to hike through varied terrain,
and ability to lift 25 pounds.

Reports to: project field director.

Length of Commitment: Prefer at least one day per week, 2
hours per shift, but can accommodate other schedules on a
case-by-case basis. Some projects may require a full day commitment
in order to escort volunteers on and off of site.

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, located
in the Chantilly /Centreville area, offers a welcome change from
high-speed bordering roadways. The natural and cultural history of the
area is evident in every corner of the 600+ acre park. Visitors can
spot wild turkey, deer and red fox in the meadow, at Walney Pond, or
along four miles of meandering trails. A large variety of wildflowers,
songbirds, and other plant and animal species can be studied. The
Walney Visitor Center, whose core dates back to 1780, features live
animal and history exhibits and a hands-on area to introduce the public
to the park's past and present. Surrounding the center, remains of a
springhouse, icehouse and other features link people to the land and
offer clues to life on a 250-year-old Fairfax County farm.

Frying Pan Farm Park's 98
acres, located in Herndon, five minutes from Dulles Airport, offer a
wide variety of recreational and educational opportunities. Visitors
can sample Fairfax County's rich rural heritage and county's only
public equestrian facility. The old Floris School House, Moffet
Blacksmith Shop, Country Store, Frying Pan Spring Meeting House, and
Kidwell Farm preserve many of the essentials of 1930 rural life. Draft
horses for plowing, cows for milking, chickens for fresh eggs and other
animals essential for farm life are raised at Kidwell Farm. Three miles
of cross country trails, jump equipment, and indoor and outdoor riding
rings attract the area's top horses and riders. The park also hosts a
wide range of activities such as arts and crafts, fitness and
children's classes, as well as seasonal events, hayrides and farm life
demonstrations.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Program Leader

Duties: Leads both indoor and outdoor children's programs offered at the
park or in the community. Assists with program planning and
development which may include producing visual aids, using AV
equipment and room set-up. Assists with other programs or park
activities.

Qualifications: Strong interest in nature or history and the stewardship of the
county's natural and cultural resources. Patience with young
children and the desire to communicate effectively with children is
essential. Experience in providing leadership for groups is helpful.

Availability: Weekdays for school programs; weekends/occasional evening for
family programs.

Goal: To enrich visitor experiences and increase awareness
of the park’s diverse resources.

Duties: Responsibilities include sharing information about
the park, collecting payment for rides, assisting riders on and off
the hayride wagon, and adding fuel and oil to the tractor as
needed.

Qualifications: A valid Virginia driver’s license. Ability
to handle money and make change. Ability to communicate and
interact with people of all ages. An interest in history in general
and site history in particular.

Training: Volunteers must attend the division orientation
and required site training. Site staff will provide tractor-driving
training and Fairfax County Park Authority standard operating
procedures for handling cash and operating power equipment.

Duties: Welcome visitors to the park and respond to their questions. Provide information about the General Store, including the collections items on display. Enter sales into the computer. Help stock shelves.

Qualifications: A smiling face and welcoming manner are the most important requirements. An ability to enter sales on a computer. An interest in history in general and park history in particular.

Goal: To repair and restore antique farm equipment at
Frying Pan Park to be used in exhibits and demonstrations to help
the public gain insight into their agricultural heritage.

Duties: Examine current condition of equipment, analyze
areas in need of repair, and restore to working order. Equipment in
need of repair includes: grain binder, cider mill, sorghum mill,
and a hay tedder.

Green Spring Gardens has a
dedicated core of volunteers that help out in virtually every facet of
the site. By providing time, talent and creativity, volunteers help
make Green Spring a place for education, contemplation and inspiration.

Volunteers at Green Spring Gardens can volunteer as much or as little
as they are available. To be considered a full time volunteer by the
Fairfax County Park Authority you must volunteer eight hours per month.
For specific information on any of the volunteer opportunities listed
below, please call the Volunteer Coordinator at 703-642-5173.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Children's Program Assistant

Goal: Children's Program Assistants help to
educate and inspire children by presenting educational and nature
programs.

Duties: Teach nature programs to children
outdoors; Assist staff with program preparations, clean-up and
development.

Qualifications: Strong interest in environmental
education; Patience with children and the desire to communicate
effectively; and experience with children is helpful.

Goal: Farmers Markets allow local vendors to
provide fresh produce to urban communities. Market Masters act as
ambassadors for the Farmers Market program and supervise daily
operations of the market.

Duties: Manage and evaluate a Farmers Market held
one day per week during a six month season. Supervise the timely
set-up, opening, operation and closing of the market. Work to help
customers and vendors during market hours.

Qualifications: Ability to work with paid staff
in the planning and organization of the market, including: vendor
selection, allocation of spaces, and other duties as necessary.
Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse public. Ability
to work independently without on-site supervision. Ability to
tactfully enforce rules and regulations.

Goal: The Historic House Host assists with tea
programs and presentations, as well as interacting with visitors.
This position is great for those who love horticulture, history and
art. As an added bonus, Hosts get to experience educational
programs that accompany each tea or tasting.

Duties: Interacting with the public; pouring tea;
carrying dishes; and assisting with teas, tastings and
presentations as needed.

Qualifications: Ability to communicate and
interact with a diverse community; Ability to work independently;
Can lift up to 30 lbs; and good customer service skills.

Goal: A Volunteer-on-Duty warmly greets the
public and assists the front office staff with administrative
duties. This position is a great way to get to know Green Spring
Gardens, and to share your knowledge with the public.

This past year, over sixty volunteers contributed their time and
talents at Hidden Oaks Nature
Center toward maintaining trails, greeting visitors, caring for
live animals, leading programs, providing program assistance, leading
trail walks, gardening, writing, developing exhibits, much more to help
Hidden Oaks fulfill its twofold mission of education and natural
resource protection. Are you a teen? Half of our volunteers are teens
who spend most of their time assisting with programs and animal care.

In addition to the satisfaction that comes from volunteering, our
volunteers also enjoy special recognition events, field trips, and
award programs. As an added benefit, all Hidden Oaks volunteers receive
the quarterly newsletter, Heart of Oak, which reports volunteer
activities, lists volunteer opportunities, and profiles a volunteer of
the quarter.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Animal Care

Duties: Assist with the care and feeding of the dozen-plus
live reptiles and amphibians.

Training: Extensive training provided. (Teen volunteers do
not provide care for the copperhead.)

Availability: Time required is about one hour per week on a
specified day of the week. A six month minimum commitment is
required.

Duties: Assist with caring for the native wildflower
garden, butterfly garden and plantings around the nature center.
Maintenance and development of trails plus other natural resource
protection projects needed for the 52 acre park. Some project work
available for individuals or groups.

Training: Training is provided.

Availability: Prefer 3 to 6 hours per week for a minimum of
six months.

Hidden Pond Nature Center is
nestled in the busy suburb of Springfield, but visitors here soon
forget about the bustle of suburban life. The serene pond and adjacent
Pohick Stream Valley Park, with its beautiful Pohick Creek and hundreds
of acres of forested floodplain, are sublime reminders of quieter
times. In addition to wandering the trails and learning about the pond
and stream, visitors enjoy a nature center with exhibits, live animals
and many activities.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer On Duty

Duties: Greets visitors; records number of visitors to the center; registers people for advertised programs; orients visitors to the park, including its natural and cultural features, facilities, rules and regulations, and programs; answers phone and takes messages
when needed.

Qualifications: Ability to communicate and interact with people. Pleasant telephone manner. Comfortable working in a public setting where routine varies. Interest in the stewardship of the county's natural and cultural resources.

Huntley Meadows Park, a
1,425-acre wildlife sanctuary in southern Alexandria, includes mature
forest, meadows, and a large freshwater wetland. It is one of the most
popular birding spots in Northern Virginia. A one-half mile boardwalk
winds through a wetland abounding with lizard's tail, cardinal flower
and rose mallow. Beavers are often seen as evening approaches. An
observation tower allows a commanding view of the wetland and its
abundant wildlife.

Current Volunteer OpportunitiesPlease Note: Sites prefer a one year time committment.

Program Leader

Duties: Leads both indoor and outdoor children's programs offered at the
park or in the community. Assists with program planning and
development which may include producing visual aids, using AV
equipment and room set-up. Assists with other programs or park
activities.

Qualifications: Strong interest in nature or history and the stewardship of the
county's natural and cultural resources. Patience with young
children and the desire to communicate effectively with children is
essential. Experience in providing leadership for groups is helpful.

Availability: Weekdays for school programs; weekends/occasional evening for
family programs.

Duties: Welcomes visitors upon arrival at Historic Huntley
or Huntley Meadows Park. Provides an interpretive history of the
house, outbuildings, grounds, the park, and surrounding area. Also
provides information on the park’s basic operations, including
facilities, programs, and rules. Registers people for advertised
programs or refers reservation requests to appropriate staff. Hands
out written material. Answers phone and takes messages when needed.
Answers visitors’ questions or directs them to the appropriate
resource. Assists with projects as needed.

Qualifications: Ability to communicate and interact with
people of all ages and cultures. Background or interest in history
of Fairfax County, cultural history, architectural history,
environmental history, or archaeology. Ability to work
independently. Good customer service skills. Comfortable working in
a public setting where routine varies.

Availability: Upon completion of the training, the
volunteer will be asked to work at least one 3 or 3 ½-hour shift
per month every Saturday from March through November. Volunteers
will also be asked to help with other programs and special events
throughout the entire year.

Duties: Greets visitors; records number of visitors to the center; registers people for advertised programs; orients visitors to the park, including its natural and cultural features, facilities, rules and regulations, and programs; answers phone and takes messages
when needed.

Qualifications: Ability to communicate and interact with people. Pleasant telephone manner. Comfortable working in a public setting where routine varies. Interest in the stewardship of the county's natural and cultural resources.

Restoring our park natural areas to health and diversity is a
great way to contribute to Fairfax County Parks. Check out the Invasive Management Area
Program for sites where we are removing invasive plants.

Spring and fall are the best times to plant the forests of
tomorrow. We partner with the Department of Public Works and
Environmental Services to restore buffer along
streams, and many local non-profit organizations plant
trees both on parkland and in neighborhoods.

Our Nature Centers are
looking for volunteers to maintain and interpret the habitats
around the buildings.

Stream Monitoring

Interested in a citizen science opportunity? The Northern Virginia
Soil and Water Conservation District trains volunteers to become
certified stream
monitors.

Riverbend Park monitors Clark's Branch and Scott's Run in the
northeastern portion of the county.

Inventories and Monitoring

Do you have a field of expertise? Can you lend a hand to adaptive
management programs? - Send us an
email. Certain sites have opportunities available
throughout the year to inventory and monitor natural resources like
beaver, native plants and dragonflies.

Watershed Cleanups

Need service hours for a school project? Are you unable to commit
to a long-term volunteer opportunity? The Park Authority supports
two watershed cleanups every year, and you can earn hours by
participating in a stream cleanup at any time. Contact the Park
Operations Division at 703-324-8594 to learn how.

Riverbend Park

Riverbend Park contains 409
acres of hardwood forest and meadows on the banks of the scenic Potomac
River in the northern section of Fairfax County. Over two miles of
river frontage offer glimpses of waterfowl, songbirds and abundant
spring wildflowers. Bald eagles, bluebirds and yellow-throated warblers
may all be seen. Exhibits at the Riverbend Visitor Center orient
visitors to the park, with displays about the local plant life,
animals, geology and Indian history found in and along the Potomac
River. Boat launch and picnic areas are also offered.

In addition to the satisfaction that comes from volunteering, our
volunteers also enjoy special events, field trips, and award programs.
As an added benefit, all Riverbend Park volunteers receive the
quarterly newsletter, Riverbend Naturalist. Are you a teen? Many of our
volunteers are teens who spend their time assisting with programs,
projects and animal care. Get Involved! Volunteers are recruited and
trained year round.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Animal Care

Duties: Assist with the care and feeding of the dozen-plus
live reptiles and amphibians. Teen volunteers do not provide care
for the copperhead.

Training: Extensive training provided.

Availability: About one hour per week on a specified day of
the week. A six month minimum commitment is required.

Availability: Most programs are conducted weekdays. Scout
programs are offered weekday afternoons and on some weekends.
Prefer a 4-hour commitment per month for at least six months. Some
special event and project work available.

Duties: Provide natural history interpretation to park
visitors near picnic area. Assist visitors with wildlife observation.
Conducts short talks and presentations on natural and cultural
history. Answer public's questions about the park.

Training: Training is provided.

Availability: Prefer three hours per week for a minimum of
six months.

An oasis of the past, located in Chantilly off Route 28, Sully Historic Site
reflects the history of Fairfax County. Sully is the late 18th home of
Richard Bland Lee, northern Virginia’s first congressman and uncle of
Robert E. Lee. The farm contains the Federal style main house, built in
1794, four original outbuildings, a representative slave quarter, and
gardens. Guided hourly tours highlight the early 19th century life of
Richard Bland Lee and his family, as well as tenant farmers and
enslaved African Americans. Sully also offers a variety of special
programs and field trips that reflect the history and life in Fairfax
County from the 18th century throughout the 20th century.

Sully has a dedicated core of volunteers that help in all area and
activities of the site. For detailed information on any of the
volunteer opportunities listed below, please call the Volunteer
Coordinator at 703-437-1794.